Power factor correction circuit

ABSTRACT

A power factor correction circuit includes an input power source, a first bridge arm, a second bridge arm, an output capacitor and an active clamp unit. The first bridge arm includes a first switch and a second switch in series. The second bridge arm includes a third switch and a fourth switch in series. The active clamp unit includes a second inductor, a clamp capacitor and a fifth switch. The power factor correction circuit may realize the ZVS function of the first switch and the second switch by the collaboration of the active clamp unit and the conduction/non-conducting state of the first switch, the second switch, the third switch and the fourth switch.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to China Patent Application No.202010692225.3, filed on Jul. 17, 2020, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a switch power technology field inpower electronics, and more particularly to a power factor correctioncircuit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nowadays, switching power supply is developed toward high efficiency,high power density, high reliability and low cost. The power factorcorrection circuit is widely used in AC-DC power supply. Totem polepower factor correction circuit becomes more and more popular as itshigh efficiency. Wide bandgap devices including gallium nitride (GaN)power devices and silicon carbide (SiC) are quite suitable for totempole power factor correction circuit as no reverse recovery chargecomparing with the metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor(MOSFET). Furthermore, the wide bandgap devices have the fasterswitching speed and the lower switching loss, which can increase theworking frequency and the power density of the switching power supply,but still maintain good efficiency meantime.

Generally, the working frequency of the hard switching totem pole powerfactor correction circuit is below 130 kHz. To increase the powerdensity, it is necessary to increase its working frequency up to MHz.Due to the parasitic body capacitance discharging loss during switchingoperation, the turn-on loss of the gallium nitride power device willincrease dramatically and may reach ten times higher than that ofturn-off loss. Consequently, the working frequency of the power factorcorrection circuit is limited.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an aspect of present invention, a power factorcorrection circuit is provided. The power factor correction circuitincludes an input power source, a first bridge arm, a second bridge arm,an output capacitor and an active clamp unit. The first bridge armincludes a first switch and a second switch connected in series. Acommon node of the first switch and the second switch is electricallyconnected with a first terminal of the input power source through afirst inductor. The second bridge arm is connected with the first bridgearm in parallel. The second bridge arm includes a third switch and afourth switch connected in series. A common node of the third switch andthe fourth switch is electrically connected with a second terminal ofthe input power source. The active clamp unit includes a secondinductor, a clamp capacitor and a fifth switch. A first terminal of theclamp capacitor is electrically connected with a first terminal of thesecond inductor. A second terminal of the clamp capacitor iselectrically connected with a first terminal of the fifth switch. Asecond terminal of the fifth switch is electrically connected with asecond terminal of the second inductor. The active clamp unit isdisposed according to the selection from one of the three circuitarrangements below: positioned between a first terminal of the firstbridge arm and a first terminal of the output capacitor; positionedbetween a second terminal of the first bridge arm and a second terminalof the output capacitor; positioned between the first switch and thesecond switch.

In accordance with another aspect of present invention, a power factorcorrection circuit is provided. The power factor correction circuitincludes an input power source, a first bridge arm, a second bridge arm,an output capacitor, a first active clamp unit, a third bridge arm and asecond active clamp unit. The first bridge arm includes a first switchand a second switch connected in series. A common node of the firstswitch and the second switch is electrically connected with a firstterminal of the input power source through a first inductor. The secondbridge arm includes a third switch and a fourth switch connected inseries. A common node of the third switch and the fourth switch iselectrically connected with a second terminal of the input power source.A third bridge arm is connected with the first bridge arm and the secondbridge arm in parallel. The third bridge arm includes a sixth switch anda seventh switch connected in series. A common node of the sixth switchand the seventh switch is electrically connected with the first terminalof the input power source through a third inductor. The first activeclamp unit includes a second inductor, a first clamp capacitor and afifth switch. A first terminal of the first clamp capacitor iselectrically connected with a first terminal of the second inductor. Asecond terminal of the first clamp capacitor is electrically connectedwith a first terminal of the fifth switch. A second terminal of thefifth switch is electrically connected with a second terminal of thesecond inductor. The second active clamp unit includes a fourthinductor, a second clamp capacitor and an eighth switch. A firstterminal of the second clamp capacitor is electrically connected with afirst terminal of the fourth inductor. A second terminal of the secondclamp capacitor is electrically connected with a first terminal of theeighth switch. A second terminal of the eighth switch is electricallyconnected with a second terminal of the fourth inductor. The firstactive clamp unit is arranged in the first bridge arm. The second activeclamp unit is arranged in the third bridge arm. A position of the firstactive clamp unit in the first bridge arm and a position of the secondactive clamp unit in the third bridge arm are identical.

In accordance with another aspect of present invention, a power factorcorrection circuit is provided. The power factor correction circuitincludes an AC power source, a first bridge arm, a second bridge arm, anoutput capacitor, an active clamp unit and a third bridge arm. The firstbridge arm includes a first switch and a second switch connected inseries. A common node of the first switch and the second switch iselectrically connected with a first terminal of the AC power sourcethrough a first inductor. The second bridge arm includes a third switchand a fourth switch connected in series. A common node of the thirdswitch and the fourth switch is electrically connected with a secondterminal of the AC power source. A third bridge arm is connected withthe first bridge arm in parallel. The third bridge arm includes a sixthswitch and a seventh switch connected in series. A common node of thesixth switch and the seventh switch is electrically connected with thefirst terminal of the AC power source through a third inductor. Theactive clamp unit includes a second inductor, a first clamp capacitorand a fifth switch. The second inductor is electrically parallel to aserially-connected structure having the first clamp capacitor and thefifth switch in series. The first bridge arm and the third bridge armare operated in an interleaving manner. The active clamp unit isconnected between the second bridge arm and the third bridge arm. Theactive clamp unit is shared by the first bridge arm and the third bridgearm.

The above contents of the present invention will become more readilyapparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reviewing thefollowing detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a first active clampunit of the power factor correction circuit as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a second embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a third embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a sixth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a seventh embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to an eighth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a ninth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a tenth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to an eleventh embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 13 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a twelfth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 14 is a schematic equivalent circuit of the power factor correctioncircuit as shown in FIG. 8 when the AC input voltage is positive;

FIG. 15 is a schematic equivalent circuit of the power factor correctioncircuit as shown in FIG. 8 when the AC input voltage is negative;

FIG. 16 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a thirteenth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 17 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a second activeclamp unit of the power factor correction circuit as shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a fourteenth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 19 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a fifteenth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 20 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a sixteenth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 21 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a seventeenth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 22 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to an eighteenth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 23 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a nineteenth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 24 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a twentieth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 25 is a schematic equivalent circuit of the power factor correctioncircuit as shown in FIG. 1 when the AC input voltage is positive;

FIGS. 26A to 26I are schematic circuit diagrams illustrating theoperations of the power factor correction circuit as shown in FIG. 25 indifferent time intervals;

FIG. 27 is a schematic timing waveform diagram illustrating associatedvoltage signals and current signals processed by the power factorcorrection circuit as shown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 28 is a schematic equivalent circuit of the power factor correctioncircuit as shown in FIG. 1 when the AC input voltage is negative;

FIGS. 29A to 29I are schematic circuit diagrams illustrating theoperations of the power factor correction circuit as shown in FIG. 28 indifferent time intervals;

FIG. 30 is a schematic timing waveform diagram illustrating associatedvoltage signals and current signals processed by the power factorcorrection circuit as shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a twenty-first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 32 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a twenty-second embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 33 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a twenty-third embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 34 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a twenty-fourth embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 35 is schematic timing waveform diagram illustrating the change ofthe AC input voltage for the power factor correction circuit of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described more specifically withreference to the following embodiments. It is to be noted that thefollowing descriptions of preferred embodiments of this invention arepresented herein for purpose of illustration and description only. It isnot intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise formdisclosed.

Please refer to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a schematic circuit diagramillustrating a power factor correction circuit according to a firstembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic circuitdiagram illustrating a first active clamp unit of the power factorcorrection circuit as shown in FIG. 1. The power factor correctioncircuit 1 includes an input power source AC, a first bridge arm 2, afirst inductor L1, a second bridge arm 3, an output capacitor Cb and afirst active clamp unit 4.

The input power source AC outputs an AC input voltage to the powerfactor correction circuit 1. For example, the AC input voltage has asinusoidal waveform. The input power source AC has a first terminal M1and a second terminal M2.

The first bridge arm 2 has a first terminal M3 and a second terminal M4.The first bridge arm 2 includes a first switch S1H and a second switchS1L, which are connected with each other in series. The first switch S1His electrically connected with the first terminal M3 of the first bridgearm 2. The second switch S1L is electrically connected with the secondterminal M4 of the first bridge arm 2. The common node between the firstswitch S1H and the second switch S1L is electrically connected with thefirst terminal M1 of the input power source AC through the firstinductor L1.

The second bridge arm 3 is connected with the first bridge arm 2 inparallel. The second bridge arm 3 has a first terminal M5 and a secondterminal M6. The second bridge arm 3 includes a third switch S2H and afourth switch S2L, which are connected with each other in series. Thethird switch S2H is electrically connected with the first terminal M5 ofthe second bridge arm 3. The fourth switch S2L is electrically connectedwith the second terminal M6 of the second bridge arm 3. The common nodebetween the third switch S2H and the fourth switch S2L is electricallyconnected with the second terminal M2 of the input power source AC.

The output capacitor Cb is connected with an output terminal of thepower factor correction circuit 1 in parallel. The output capacitor Cbhas a first terminal M7 and a second terminal M8. The voltage betweenthe first terminal M7 and the second terminal M8 of the output capacitorCb is equal to a DC output voltage Vb of the power factor correctioncircuit 1. In this embodiment, a totem pole power factor correctioncircuit is defined by the first switch S1H, the second switch S1L, thefirst inductor L1, the third switch S2H, the fourth switch S2L and theoutput capacitor Cb collaboratively.

The first active clamp unit 4 has a first terminal A and a secondterminal B. The first terminal A of the first active clamp unit 4 iselectrically connected with the first terminal M3 of the first bridgearm 2. The second terminal B of the first active clamp unit 4 iselectrically connected with the first terminal M7 of the outputcapacitor Cb. The first active clamp unit 4 is connected between thefirst terminal M3 of the first bridge arm 2 and the first terminal M7 ofthe output capacitor Cb. The second terminal B of the first active clampunit 4 is also electrically connected with the first terminal M5 of thesecond bridge arm 3. The first active clamp unit 4 is also connectedbetween the first terminal M3 of the first bridge arm 2 and the firstterminal M5 of the second bridge arm 3.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first active clamp unit 4 includes a secondinductor Lr1, a first clamp capacitor Cc1 and a fifth switch Sa1. In anembodiment, the second inductor Lr1 is a planar magnetic element. Afirst terminal and a second terminal of the second inductor Lr1 areelectrically connected with the first terminal A and the second terminalB of the first active clamp unit 4, respectively. That is, the secondinductor Lr1 is connected between the first terminal M3 of the firstbridge arm 2 and the first terminal M7 of the output capacitor Cb, andconnected between the first terminal M3 of the first bridge arm 2 andthe first terminal M5 of the second bridge arm 3.

A first terminal of the first clamp capacitor Cc1 is electricallyconnected with the first terminal A of the first active clamp unit 4 andthe first terminal of the second inductor Lr1. A second terminal of thefirst clamp capacitor Cc1 is electrically connected with a firstterminal of the fifth switch Sa1. A second terminal of the fifth switchSa1 is electrically connected with the second terminal B of the firstactive clamp unit 4 and the second terminal of the second inductor Lr1.That is, the second inductor Lr1 and the serially-connected structure ofthe first clamp capacitor Cc1 and the fifth switch Sa1 are connectedwith each other in parallel.

In an embodiment, at least one of the third switch S2H and the fourthswitch S2L is a wide bandgap semiconductor device or a siliconsemiconductor device, and at least one of the first switch S1H, thesecond switch S1L and the fifth switch Sa1 is a wide bandgapsemiconductor device.

As mentioned above, the power factor correction circuit 1 includes thefirst active clamp unit 4, and the first active clamp unit 4 includesthe second inductor Lr1, the first clamp capacitor Cc1 and the fifthswitch Sa1. In an embodiment, the timing sequences of switching theon/off states of the first switch S1H, the second switch S1L, the thirdswitch S2H and the fourth switch S2L are specially controlled accordingto the operations of the first active clamp unit 4. Consequently, theZVS functions of the first switch S1H and the second switch S1L areachievable, and the switching loss of each switch is reduced. Since theworking frequency of the power factor correction circuit 1 is increased,the power supply apparatus with the power factor correction circuit 1can be operated at higher power density and higher efficiency.

FIG. 3 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a second embodiment of the presentinvention. In comparison with the first embodiment, the first activeclamp unit 4 in the power factor correction circuit 1 a of thisembodiment is arranged to be a different position. Specifically, thefirst terminal A of the first active clamp unit 4 is electricallyconnected with the first terminal M3 of the first bridge arm 2 and thefirst terminal M5 of the second bridge arm 3. The second terminal B ofthe first active clamp unit 4 is electrically connected with the firstterminal M7 of the output capacitor Cb. That is, the first active clampunit 4 is connected between the first terminal M5 of the second bridgearm 3 and the first terminal M7 of the output capacitor Cb.Correspondingly, the second inductor Lr1 of the first active clamp unit4 is connected between the first terminal M5 of the second bridge arm 3and the first terminal M7 of the output capacitor Cb. Moreover, thefirst terminal M5 of the second bridge arm 3 is electrically connectedwith the first terminal M3 of the first bridge arm 2.

Similarly, the timing sequences of switching theconduction/non-conducting states of the first switch S1H, the secondswitch S1L, the third switch S2H and the fourth switch S2L of the powerfactor correction circuit 1 a are specially controlled according to theoperations of the first active clamp unit 4. Consequently, the ZVSfunction of the main switch is achievable, the switching loss isreduced, and working frequency of the power factor correction circuit 1a is increased. When the polarity of the AC input voltage is positive,the second switch S1L works as a main switch and the first switch S1Hworks as an auxiliary switch. When the polarity of the AC input voltageis negative, the first switch S1H works as the main switch and thesecond switch S1L works as the auxiliary switch.

FIG. 4 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a third embodiment of the presentinvention. In comparison with the first embodiment, the first activeclamp unit 4 in the power factor correction circuit 1 b of thisembodiment is arranged to a different position. Specifically, the firstterminal M3 of the first bridge arm 2, the first terminal M5 of thesecond bridge arm 3 and the first terminal M7 of the output capacitor Cbare electrically connected with each other. The first terminal A of thefirst active clamp unit 4 is electrically connected with the secondterminal M8 of the output capacitor Cb and the second terminal M6 of thesecond bridge arm 3. The second terminal B of the first active clampunit 4 is electrically connected with the second terminal M4 of thefirst bridge arm 2. That is, the first active clamp unit 4 is connectedbetween the second terminal M4 of the first bridge arm 2 and the secondterminal M8 of the output capacitor Cb, and connected between the secondterminal M4 of the first bridge arm 2 and the second terminal M6 of thesecond bridge arm 3. Correspondingly, the second inductor Lr1 of thefirst active clamp unit 4 is connected between the second terminal M4 ofthe first bridge arm 2 and the second terminal M8 of the outputcapacitor Cb, and connected between the second terminal M4 of the firstbridge arm 2 and the second terminal M6 of the second bridge arm 3.

FIG. 5 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, the first terminal M3 of the first bridgearm 2, the first terminal M5 of the second bridge arm 3 and the firstterminal M7 of the output capacitor Cb are electrically connected witheach other. The first terminal A of the first active clamp unit 4 iselectrically connected with the second terminal M8 of the outputcapacitor Cb. The second terminal B of the first active clamp unit 4 iselectrically connected with the second terminal M4 of the first bridgearm 2 and the second terminal M6 of the second bridge arm 3. That is,the first active clamp unit 4 is connected between the second terminalM4 of the first bridge arm 2 and the second terminal M8 of the outputcapacitor Cb, and connected between the second terminal M6 of the secondbridge arm 3 and the second terminal M8 of the output capacitor Cb.Correspondingly, the second inductor Lr1 of the first active clamp unit4 is connected between the second terminal M4 of the first bridge arm 2and the second terminal M8 of the output capacitor Cb, and connectedbetween the second terminal M6 of the second bridge arm 3 and the secondterminal M8 of the output capacitor Cb.

FIG. 6 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, the first terminal M3 of the first bridgearm 2, the first terminal M5 of the second bridge arm 3 and the firstterminal M7 of the output capacitor Cb are electrically connected witheach other. The first terminal A of the first active clamp unit 4 iselectrically connected with the second switch S1L of the first bridgearm 2 and the first terminal of the first inductor L1. The secondterminal B of the first active clamp unit 4 is electrically connectedwith the first switch S1H of the first bridge arm 2. That is, the firstactive clamp unit 4 is connected between the first switch S1H of thefirst bridge arm 2 and the second switch S1L of the first bridge arm 2,and connected between the first switch S1H of the first bridge arm 2 andthe first terminal of the first inductor L1. Correspondingly, the secondinductor Lr1 of the first active clamp unit 4 is connected between thefirst switch S1H of the first bridge arm 2 and the second switch S1L ofthe first bridge arm 2, and connected between the first switch S1H ofthe first bridge arm 2 and the first terminal of the first inductor L1.

FIG. 7 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a sixth embodiment of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, the first terminal M3 of the first bridgearm 2, the first terminal M5 of the second bridge arm 3 and the firstterminal M7 of the output capacitor Cb are electrically connected witheach other. The first terminal A of the first active clamp unit 4 iselectrically connected with the second switch S1L of the first bridgearm 2. The second terminal B of the first active clamp unit 4 iselectrically connected with the first switch S1H of the first bridge arm2 and the first terminal of the first inductor L1. That is, the firstactive clamp unit 4 is connected between the first switch S1H of thefirst bridge arm 2 and the second switch S1L of the first bridge arm 2,and connected between the first terminal of the first inductor L1 andthe second switch S1L of the first bridge arm 2. Correspondingly, thesecond inductor Lr1 of the first active clamp unit 4 is connectedbetween the first switch S1H of the first bridge arm 2 and the secondswitch S1L of the first bridge arm 2, and connected between the firstterminal of the first inductor L1 and the second switch S1L of the firstbridge arm 2.

Furthermore, if the AC input voltage of the power factor correctioncircuit is abruptly increased to be higher than the output voltage Vb,the electronic components of the power factor correction circuit willhave a potential risk of being damaged. For avoiding the occurrence onthe electronic components, the power factor correction circuit isfurther provided with clamp diodes.

FIG. 8 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a seventh embodiment of the presentinvention. In comparison with the power factor correction circuit 1 ofthe first embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the power factor correctioncircuit 1 f of this embodiment further includes a first diode D1H and asecond diode D1L, which are connected with each other in series. Thecathode of the first diode D1H is electrically connected with the firstterminal M7 of the output capacitor Cb, the first terminal M5 of thesecond bride arm 3 and the second terminal B of the first active clampunit 4. The anode of the first diode D1H is electrically connected tothe node between the first terminal M1 of the input power source AC andthe first inductor L1. The cathode of the second diode D1L iselectrically connected with the anode of the first diode D1H. The anodeof the second diode D1L is electrically connected with the secondterminal M8 of the output capacitor Cb, the second terminal M6 of thesecond bridge arm 3 and the second terminal M4 of the first bridge arm2. In case that the AC input voltage of the power factor correctioncircuit 1 f is abruptly increased to be higher than the output voltageVb, the arrangement of the first diode D1H and the second diode D1L canlimit the magnitude of the AC input voltage to be lower than apredetermined voltage value. Consequently, the electronic components ofthe power factor correction circuit 1 f can be effectively protected.

FIG. 9 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to an eighth embodiment of the presentinvention. In comparison with the power factor correction circuit 1 a ofthe second embodiment as shown in FIG. 3, the power factor correctioncircuit 1 g of this embodiment further includes a first diode D1H and asecond diode D1L, which are connected with each other in series. Thecathode of the first diode D1H is electrically connected with the firstterminal M7 of the output capacitor Cb and the second terminal B of thefirst active clamp unit 4. The anode of the first diode D1H iselectrically connected to the node between the first terminal M1 of theinput power source AC and the first inductor L1. The cathode of thesecond diode D1L is electrically connected with the anode of the firstdiode D1H. The anode of the second diode D1L is electrically connectedwith the second terminal M8 of the output capacitor Cb, the secondterminal M6 of the second bridge arm 3 and the second terminal M4 of thefirst bridge arm 2. In case that the AC input voltage of the powerfactor correction circuit 1 g is abruptly increased to be higher thanthe output voltage Vb, the arrangement of the first diode D1H and thesecond diode D1L can limit the magnitude of the AC input voltage to belower than a predetermined voltage value. Consequently, the electroniccomponents of the power factor correction circuit 1 g can be effectivelyprotected.

FIG. 10 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a ninth embodiment of the presentinvention. In comparison with the power factor correction circuit 1 b ofthe third embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, the power factor correctioncircuit 1 h of this embodiment further includes a first diode D1H and asecond diode D1L, which are connected with each other in series. Thecathode of the first diode D1H is electrically connected with the firstterminal M7 of the output capacitor Cb, the first terminal M5 of thesecond bride arm 3 and the first terminal M3 of the first bridge arm 2.The anode of the first diode D1H is electrically connected to the nodebetween the first terminal M1 of the input power source AC and the firstinductor L1. The cathode of the second diode D1L is electricallyconnected with the anode of the first diode D1H. The anode of the seconddiode D1L is electrically connected with the second terminal M8 of theoutput capacitor Cb, the second terminal M6 of the second bridge arm 3and the first terminal A of the first active clamp unit 4. In case thatthe AC input voltage of the power factor correction circuit 1 h isabruptly increased to be higher than the output voltage Vb, thearrangement of the first diode D1H and the second diode D1L can limitthe magnitude of the AC input voltage to be lower than a predeterminedvoltage value. Consequently, the electronic components of the powerfactor correction circuit 1 h can be effectively protected.

FIG. 11 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a tenth embodiment of the presentinvention. In comparison with the power factor correction circuit 1 c ofthe fourth embodiment as shown in FIG. 5, the power factor correctioncircuit 1 i of this embodiment further includes a first diode D1H and asecond diode D1L, which are connected with each other in series. Thecathode of the first diode D1H is electrically connected with the firstterminal M7 of the output capacitor Cb, the first terminal M5 of thesecond bride arm 3 and the first terminal M3 of the first bridge arm 2.The anode of the first diode D1H is electrically connected to the nodebetween the first terminal M1 of the input power source AC and the firstinductor L1. The cathode of the second diode D1L is electricallyconnected with the anode of the first diode D1H. The anode of the seconddiode D1L is electrically connected with the second terminal M8 of theoutput capacitor Cb and the first terminal A of the first active clampunit 4. In case that the AC input voltage of the power factor correctioncircuit 1 i is abruptly increased to be higher than the output voltageVb, the arrangement of the first diode D1H and the second diode D1L canlimit the magnitude of the AC input voltage to be lower than apredetermined voltage value. Consequently, the electronic components ofthe power factor correction circuit 1 i can be effectively protected.

FIG. 12 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to an eleventh embodiment of the presentinvention. In comparison with the power factor correction circuit 1 d ofthe fifth embodiment as shown in FIG. 6, the power factor correctioncircuit 1 j of this embodiment further includes a first diode D1H and asecond diode D1L, which are connected with each other in series. Thecathode of the first diode D1H is electrically connected with the firstterminal M7 of the output capacitor Cb, the first terminal M5 of thesecond bride arm 3 and the first terminal M3 of the first bridge arm 2.The anode of the first diode D1H is electrically connected to the nodebetween the first terminal M1 of the input power source AC and the firstinductor L1. The cathode of the second diode D1L is electricallyconnected with the anode of the first diode D1H. The anode of the seconddiode D1L is electrically connected with the second terminal M8 of theoutput capacitor Cb, the second terminal M6 of the second bridge arm 3and the second terminal M4 of the first bridge arm 2. In case that theAC input voltage of the power factor correction circuit 1 j is abruptlyincreased to be higher than the output voltage Vb, the arrangement ofthe first diode D1H and the second diode D1L can limit the magnitude ofthe AC input voltage to be lower than a predetermined voltage value.Consequently, the electronic components of the power factor correctioncircuit 1 j can be effectively protected.

FIG. 13 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a twelfth embodiment of the presentinvention. In comparison with the power factor correction circuit 1 e ofthe sixth embodiment as shown in FIG. 7, the power factor correctioncircuit 1 k of this embodiment further includes a first diode D1H and asecond diode D1L, which are connected with each other in series. Thecathode of the first diode D1H is electrically connected with the firstterminal M7 of the output capacitor Cb, the first terminal M5 of thesecond bride arm 3 and the first terminal M3 of the first bridge arm 2.The anode of the first diode D1H is electrically connected to the nodebetween the first terminal M1 of the input power source AC and the firstinductor L1. The cathode of the second diode D1L is electricallyconnected with the anode of the first diode D1H. The anode of the seconddiode D1L is electrically connected with the second terminal M8 of theoutput capacitor Cb, the second terminal M6 of the second bridge arm 3and the second terminal M4 of the first bridge arm 2. In case that theAC input voltage of the power factor correction circuit 1 k is abruptlyincreased to be higher than the output voltage Vb, the arrangement ofthe first diode D1H and the second diode D1L can limit the magnitude ofthe AC input voltage to be lower than a predetermined voltage value.Consequently, the electronic components of the power factor correctioncircuit 1 k can be effectively protected.

A method of achieving the ZVS function of the power factor correctioncircuit through the use of the first active clamp unit will be describedas follows. The power factor correction circuit 1 f as shown in FIG. 8is taken as an example. Please refer to FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. 14 is aschematic equivalent circuit of the power factor correction circuit asshown in FIG. 8 when the AC input voltage is positive. FIG. 15 is aschematic equivalent circuit of the power factor correction circuit asshown in FIG. 8 when the AC input voltage is negative.

When the AC input voltage has a first polarity (e.g., a positive halfsinusoid wave) and the instantaneous voltage of the AC input voltage islower than the output voltage Vb, the first diode D1H and the seconddiode D1L are in the non-conducting state, the fourth switch S2L ismaintained in the conduction state, and the third switch S2H ismaintained in the non-conducting state. Consequently, the circuitrystructure as shown in FIG. 14 is the equivalent circuit of the powerfactor correction circuit 1 f as shown in FIG. 8. Under thiscircumstance, the second switch S1L may be considered as the main switchof the power factor correction circuit 1 f. That is, during theoperation of the input power source AC, the second switch S1L is mainlyresponsible for controlling the operation of the power factor correctioncircuit 1 f. The first switch S1H may be considered as an auxiliaryswitch (also referred as a synchronous rectifier) of the power factorcorrection circuit 1 f. In addition, the first switch S1H is used as azero voltage switching (ZVS) switch. Consequently, when the secondswitch S1L is in the non-conducting state, the first switch S1H providesan internal freewheeling loop of the power factor correction circuit 1f. Moreover, since the first active clamp unit 4 is electricallyconnected with the first bridge arm 2, the first active clamp unit 4 canbe provided within the internal freewheeling loop of the power factorcorrection circuit 1 f. Before the first switch S1H is turned off, thefirst active clamp unit 4 can assist the freewheeling loop in reducingthe instantaneous current. Consequently, the reverse recovery loss isreduced, and a certain degree of the ZVS function is achieved. Beforethe second switch S1L is turned on, the fifth switch Sa1 of the firstactive clamp unit 4 is in the non-conducting state and the secondinductor Lr1 of the first active clamp unit 4 is discharged.Consequently, the parasitic diode in the second switch S1L is turned on,and the second switch S1L is further turned on. In such way, the ZVSfunction of the second switch S1L is achieved.

When the AC input voltage has a second polarity (e.g., a negative halfsinusoid wave) and the instantaneous voltage of the AC input voltage islower than the output voltage Vb, the fourth switch S2L is maintained inthe conduction state, and the third switch S2H is maintained in thenon-conducting state. Consequently, the circuitry structure as shown inFIG. 15 is the equivalent circuit of the power factor correction circuit1 f as shown in FIG. 8. Under this circumstance, the first switch S1Hmay be considered as the main switch of the power factor correctioncircuit 1 f. That is, during the operation of the input power source AC,the first switch S1H is mainly responsible for controlling the operationof the power factor correction circuit 1 f. The second switch S1L may beconsidered as an auxiliary switch (also referred as a synchronousrectifier) of the power factor correction circuit 1 f. In addition, thesecond switch S1L is used as a zero voltage switching (ZVS) switch.Consequently, when the first switch S1H is in the non-conducting state,the second switch S1L provides an internal freewheeling loop of thepower factor correction circuit 1 f. Moreover, since the first activeclamp unit 4 is electrically connected with the first bridge arm 2, thefirst active clamp unit 4 can be provided within the circuit loop of thepower factor correction circuit 1 f. Before the second switch S1L isturned off, the first active clamp unit 4 can assist the circuit loop inreducing the instantaneous current. Consequently, the reverse recoveryloss is reduced, and a certain degree of the ZVS function is achieved.Before the first switch S1H is turned on, the fifth switch Sa1 of thefirst active clamp unit 4 is in the non-conducting state and the secondinductor Lr1 of the first active clamp unit 4 is discharged.Consequently, the parasitic diode in the first switch S1H is turned on,and the first switch S1H is further turned on. In such way, the ZVSfunction of the first switch S1H is achieved.

Please refer to FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. 16 is a schematic circuit diagramillustrating a power factor correction circuit according to a thirteenthembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a schematic circuitdiagram illustrating a second active clamp unit of the power factorcorrection circuit as shown in FIG. 16. In comparison with the powerfactor correction circuit 1 of the first embodiment as shown in FIG. 1,the power factor correction circuit 1 l of this embodiment furtherincludes a third bridge arm 6 and a third inductor L2. The first bridgearm 2 has a first terminal M3 and a second terminal M4. The first activeclamp unit 4 is positioned in the first bridge arm 2. That is, the firstbridge arm 2 includes the first switch S1H, the second switch S1L andthe first active clamp unit 4. The first terminal A of the first activeclamp unit 4 is electrically connected with the first switch S1H. Thesecond terminal B of the first active clamp unit 4 is electricallyconnected with the first terminal M3 of the first bridge arm 2. Thefirst bridge arm 2, the second bridge arm 3 and the third bridge arm 6are connected with each other in parallel. The third bridge arm 6 andthe first bridge arm 2 are operated in an interleaving manner. A firstterminal of the third bridge arm 6 is electrically connected with thefirst terminal M5 of the second bridge arm 3. A second terminal of thethird bridge arm 6 is electrically connected with the second terminal M6of the second bridge arm 3. The third bridge arm 6 includes a sixthswitch S3H, a seventh switch S3L and a second active clamp unit 7, whichare connected with each other in series. The common node between thesixth switch S3H and the seventh switch S3L is electrically connectedwith the first terminal M1 of the input power source AC through thethird inductor L2. In some embodiments, the third inductor L2 and thefirst inductor L1 are magnetically coupled to each other.

The second active clamp unit 7 has a first terminal A and a secondterminal B. The first terminal A of the second active clamp unit 7 iselectrically connected with a first terminal of the sixth switch S3H.The second terminal B of the second active clamp unit 7 is electricallyconnected with the first terminal M3 of the first bridge arm 2, thefirst terminal M5 of the second bridge arm 3 and the first terminal M7of the output capacitor Cb. The position of the second active clamp unit7 in the third bridge arm 6 is similar to the position of the firstactive clamp unit 4 in the first bridge arm 2. That is, each of thefirst active clamp unit 4 and the second active clamp unit 7 isconnected between the first terminal of the corresponding bridge arm andthe corresponding switch. The seventh switch S3L is electricallyconnected with the second terminal M4 of the first bridge arm 2, thesecond terminal M6 of the second bridge arm 3 and the second terminal M8of the output capacitor Cb. Similarly, the power factor correctioncircuit 1 l of this embodiment uses the interleaving technology. Inaddition to the first bridge arm 2, the second bridge arm 3 and thefirst inductor L1, the power factor correction circuit 1 l furtherincludes the third bridge arm 6 (with the second active clamp unit 7)and the third inductor L2. Consequently, the power factor correctioncircuit 1 l has the high power conversion capability.

The circuitry structure of the first active clamp unit 4 is similar tothat of FIG. 2, and not redundantly described herein. As shown in FIG.17, the second active clamp unit 7 includes a fourth inductor Lr2, asecond clamp capacitor Cc2 and an eighth switch Sa2. A first terminaland a second terminal of the fourth inductor Lr2 are electricallyconnected with the first terminal A and the second terminal B of thesecond active clamp unit 7. A first terminal of the second clampcapacitor Cc2 is electrically connected with the first terminal A of thesecond active clamp unit 7 and the first terminal of the fourth inductorLr2. A second terminal of the second clamp capacitor Cc2 is electricallyconnected with a first terminal of the eighth switch Sa2. A secondterminal of the eighth switch Sa2 is electrically connected with thesecond terminal B of the second active clamp unit 7 and the secondterminal of the fourth inductor Lr2.

In an embodiment, at least one of the second inductor Lr1 and the fourthinductor Lr2 is a planar magnetic element. In an embodiment, at leastone of the first switch S1H, the second switch S1L, the sixth switchS3H, the seventh switch S3L, the fifth switch Sa1 and the eighth switchSa2 is a wide bandgap semiconductor device. Alternatively, in anotherembodiment, at least one of the third switch S2H and the fourth switchS2L is a wide bandgap semiconductor device or a silicon semiconductordevice.

FIG. 18 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a fourteenth embodiment of the presentinvention. In comparison with the power factor correction circuit 1 b ofthe third embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, the power factor correctioncircuit 1 m of this embodiment further includes a third bridge arm 6 anda third inductor L2. The first bridge arm 2 has a first terminal M3 anda second terminal M4. The first active clamp unit 4 is positioned in thefirst bridge arm 2. That is, the first bridge arm 2 includes the firstswitch S1H, the second switch S1L and the first active clamp unit 4. Thefirst terminal A of the first active clamp unit 4 is electricallyconnected with the second terminal M6 of the second bridge arm 3 and thesecond terminal M8 of the output capacitor Cb. The second terminal B ofthe first active clamp unit 4 is electrically connected with the secondswitch S1L. The first bridge arm 2, the second bridge arm 3 and thethird bridge arm 6 are connected with each other in parallel. The thirdbridge arm 6 and the first bridge arm 2 are operated in an interleavingmanner. A first terminal of the third bridge arm 6 is electricallyconnected with the first terminal M5 of the second bridge arm 3. Asecond terminal of the third bridge arm 6 is electrically connected withthe second terminal M6 of the second bridge arm 3. The third bridge arm6 includes a sixth switch S3H, a seventh switch S3L and a second activeclamp unit 7, which are connected with each other in series. The commonnode between the sixth switch S3H and the seventh switch S3L iselectrically connected with the first terminal M1 of the input powersource AC through the third inductor L2. In some embodiments, the thirdinductor L2 and the first inductor L1 are magnetically coupled to eachother.

The second active clamp unit 7 has a first terminal A and a secondterminal B. The first terminal A of the second active clamp unit 7 iselectrically connected with the second terminal of the third bridge arm6, the first terminal A of the first active clamp unit 4, the secondterminal M6 of the second bridge arm 3 and the second terminal M8 of theoutput capacitor Cb. The second terminal B of the second active clampunit 7 is electrically connected with the seventh switch S3L. Theposition of the second active clamp unit 7 in the third bridge arm 6 issimilar to the position of the first active clamp unit 4 in the firstbridge arm 2. That is, each of the first active clamp unit 4 and thesecond active clamp unit 7 is connected between the second terminal ofthe corresponding bridge arm and the corresponding switch. The seventhswitch S3L is electrically connected with the sixth switch S3H and thethird inductor L2. The sixth switch S3H is electrically connected withthe first terminal of the third bridge arm 6. Similarly, the powerfactor correction circuit 1 m of this embodiment uses the interleavingtechnology. In addition to the first bridge arm 2, the second bridge arm3 and the first inductor L1, the power factor correction circuit 1 mfurther includes the third bridge arm 6 (with the second active clampunit 7) and the third inductor L2. Consequently, the power factorcorrection circuit 1 m has the high power conversion capability.

FIG. 19 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a fifteenth embodiment of the presentinvention. In comparison with the power factor correction circuit 1 d ofthe fifth embodiment as shown in FIG. 6, the power factor correctioncircuit 1 n of this embodiment further includes a third bridge arm 6 anda third inductor L2. The first bridge arm 2, the second bridge arm 3 andthe third bridge arm 6 are connected with each other in parallel. Thethird bridge arm 6 and the first bridge arm 2 are operated in aninterleaving manner. A first terminal of the third bridge arm 6 iselectrically connected with the first terminal M5 of the second bridgearm 3. A second terminal of the third bridge arm 6 is electricallyconnected with the second terminal M6 of the second bridge arm 3. Thethird bridge arm 6 includes a sixth switch S3H, a seventh switch S3L anda second active clamp unit 7, which are connected with each other inseries. The sixth switch S3H is electrically connected with the firstterminal of the third bridge arm 6. The seventh switch S3L iselectrically connected with the second terminal of the third bridge arm6. In some embodiments, the third inductor L2 and the first inductor L1are magnetically coupled to each other.

The second active clamp unit 7 has a first terminal A and a secondterminal B. The common node between the first terminal A of the secondactive clamp unit 7 and the seventh switch S3L is electrically connectedwith the first terminal M1 of the input power source AC through thethird inductor L2. The second terminal B of the second active clamp unit7 is electrically connected with the second terminal of the sixth switchS3H. The position of the second active clamp unit 7 in the third bridgearm 6 is similar to the position of the first active clamp unit 4 in thefirst bridge arm 2. That is, each of the first active clamp unit 4 andthe second active clamp unit 7 is connected between the two switches ofthe corresponding bride arm. Similarly, the power factor correctioncircuit 1 n of this embodiment uses the interleaving technology. Inaddition to the first bridge arm 2, the second bridge arm 3 and thefirst inductor L1, the power factor correction circuit 1 n furtherincludes the third bridge arm 6 (with the second active clamp unit 7)and the third inductor L2. Consequently, the power factor correctioncircuit 1 n has the high power conversion capability.

FIG. 20 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a sixteenth embodiment of the presentinvention. In comparison with the power factor correction circuit 1 e ofthe sixth embodiment as shown in FIG. 6, the power factor correctioncircuit 1 o of this embodiment further includes a third bridge arm 6 anda third inductor L2. The first bridge arm 2, the second bridge arm 3 andthe third bridge arm 6 are connected with each other in parallel. Thethird bridge arm 6 and the first bridge arm 2 are operated in aninterleaving manner. A first terminal of the third bridge arm 6 iselectrically connected with the first terminal M5 of the second bridgearm 3. A second terminal of the third bridge arm 6 is electricallyconnected with the second terminal M6 of the second bridge arm 3. Thethird bridge arm 6 includes a sixth switch S3H, a seventh switch S3L anda second active clamp unit 7, which are connected with each other inseries. The sixth switch S3H is electrically connected with the firstterminal of the third bridge arm 6. The seventh switch S3L iselectrically connected with the second terminal of the third bridge arm6. In some embodiments, the third inductor L2 and the first inductor L1are magnetically coupled to each other.

The second active clamp unit 7 has a first terminal A and a secondterminal B. The first terminal A of the second active clamp unit 7 iselectrically connected with the seventh switch S3L. The common nodebetween the second terminal B of the second active clamp unit 7 and thesixth switch S3H is electrically connected with the first terminal M1 ofthe input power source AC through the third inductor L2. The position ofthe second active clamp unit 7 in the third bridge arm 6 is similar tothe position of the first active clamp unit 4 in the first bridge arm 2.That is, each of the first active clamp unit 4 and the second activeclamp unit 7 is connected between the two switches of the correspondingbride arm. Similarly, the power factor correction circuit 1 o of thisembodiment uses the interleaving technology. In addition to the firstbridge arm 2, the second bridge arm 3 and the first inductor L1, thepower factor correction circuit 1 o further includes the third bridgearm 6 (with the second active clamp unit 7) and the third inductor L2.Consequently, the power factor correction circuit 1 o has the high powerconversion capability.

FIG. 21 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a seventeenth embodiment of the presentinvention. In comparison with the power factor correction circuit 1 l ofthe thirteenth embodiment as shown in FIG. 16, the power factorcorrection circuit 1 p of this embodiment further includes a first diodeD1H and a second diode D1L, which are connected with each other inseries. The cathode of the first diode D1H is electrically connectedwith the first terminal M7 of the output capacitor Cb, the firstterminal M3 of the first bridge arm 2, the first terminal M5 of thesecond bride arm 3 and the first terminal of the third bridge arm 6. Theanode of the first diode D1H is electrically connected to the nodebetween the first terminal M1 of the input power source AC, the firstinductor L1 and the third inductor L2. The cathode of the second diodeD1L is electrically connected with the anode of the first diode D1H. Theanode of the second diode D1L is electrically connected with the secondterminal M8 of the output capacitor Cb, the second terminal M4 of thefirst bridge arm 2 and the second terminal M6 of the second bridge arm3. In case that the AC input voltage of the power factor correctioncircuit 1 p is abruptly increased to be higher than the output voltageVb, the arrangement of the first diode D1H and the second diode D1L canlimit the magnitude of the AC input voltage to be lower than apredetermined voltage value. Consequently, the electronic components ofthe power factor correction circuit 1 p can be effectively protected.

FIG. 22 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to an eighteenth embodiment of the presentinvention. In comparison with the power factor correction circuit 1 m ofthe fourteenth embodiment as shown in FIG. 18, the power factorcorrection circuit 1 q of this embodiment further includes a first diodeD1H and a second diode D1L, which are connected with each other inseries. The cathode of the first diode D1H is electrically connectedwith the first terminal M7 of the output capacitor Cb, the firstterminal M3 of the first bridge arm 2, the first terminal M5 of thesecond bride arm 3 and the first terminal of the third bridge arm 6. Theanode of the first diode D1H is electrically connected to the nodebetween the first terminal M1 of the input power source AC, the firstinductor L1 and the third inductor L2. The cathode of the second diodeD1L is electrically connected with the anode of the first diode D1H. Theanode of the second diode D1L is electrically connected with the secondterminal M8 of the output capacitor Cb, the second terminal M6 of thesecond bridge arm 3 and the second terminal M4 of the first bridge arm2. In case that the AC input voltage of the power factor correctioncircuit 1 q is abruptly increased to be higher than the output voltageVb, the arrangement of the first diode D1H and the second diode D1L canlimit the magnitude of the AC input voltage to be lower than apredetermined voltage value. Consequently, the electronic components ofthe power factor correction circuit 1 q can be effectively protected.

FIG. 23 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a nineteenth embodiment of the presentinvention. In comparison with the power factor correction circuit 1 n ofthe fifteenth embodiment as shown in FIG. 19, the power factorcorrection circuit 1 r of this embodiment further includes a first diodeD1H and a second diode D1L, which are connected with each other inseries. The cathode of the first diode D1H is electrically connectedwith the first terminal M7 of the output capacitor Cb, the firstterminal M3 of the first bridge arm 2, the first terminal M5 of thesecond bride arm 3 and the first terminal of the third bridge arm 6. Theanode of the first diode D1H is electrically connected to the firstterminal M1 of the input power source AC, the first inductor L1 and thethird inductor L2. The cathode of the second diode D1L is electricallyconnected with the anode of the first diode D1H. The anode of the seconddiode D1L is electrically connected with the second terminal M8 of theoutput capacitor Cb, the second terminal M6 of the second bridge arm 3and the second terminal M4 of the first bridge arm 2. In case that theAC input voltage of the power factor correction circuit 1 r is abruptlyincreased to be higher than the output voltage Vb, the arrangement ofthe first diode D1H and the second diode D1L can limit the magnitude ofthe AC input voltage to be lower than a predetermined voltage value.Consequently, the electronic components of the power factor correctioncircuit 1 r can be effectively protected.

FIG. 24 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a twentieth embodiment of the presentinvention. In comparison with the power factor correction circuit 1 o ofthe sixteenth embodiment as shown in FIG. 20, the power factorcorrection circuit 1 s of this embodiment further includes a first diodeD1H and a second diode D1L, which are connected with each other inseries. The cathode of the first diode D1H is electrically connectedwith the first terminal M7 of the output capacitor Cb, the firstterminal M3 of the first bridge arm 2, the first terminal M5 of thesecond bride arm 3 and the first terminal of the third bridge arm 6. Theanode of the first diode D1H is electrically connected to the firstterminal M1 of the input power source AC, the first inductor L1 and thethird inductor L2. The cathode of the second diode D1L is electricallyconnected with the anode of the first diode D1H. The anode of the seconddiode D1L is electrically connected with the second terminal M8 of theoutput capacitor Cb, the second terminal M6 of the second bridge arm 3and the second terminal M4 of the first bridge arm 2. In case that theAC input voltage of the power factor correction circuit 1 s is abruptlyincreased to be higher than the output voltage Vb, the arrangement ofthe first diode D1H and the second diode D1L can limit the magnitude ofthe AC input voltage to be lower than a predetermined voltage value.Consequently, the electronic components of the power factor correctioncircuit 1 s can be effectively protected.

The present disclosure further provides a control method for the powerfactor correction circuit. Hereinafter, the control method for the powerfactor correction circuit 1 of FIG. 1 will be described as an example.Generally, the power factor correction circuit works through a controlunit (not shown) of the power factor correction circuit. According to aplurality of driving signals, the control unit controls the operationsof all switches of the power factor correction circuit. It is noted thatthe power factor correction circuit of any other embodiment alsoincludes the control unit. For succinctness, the control unit is notshown in the drawings.

Please refer to FIGS. 25, 26A to 26I, 27, 28, 29A to 29I and 30. FIG. 25is a schematic equivalent circuit of the power factor correction circuitas shown in FIG. 1 when the AC input voltage is positive. FIGS. 26A to26I are schematic circuit diagrams illustrating the operations of thepower factor correction circuit as shown in FIG. 25 in different timeintervals. FIG. 27 is a schematic timing waveform diagram illustratingassociated voltage signals and current signals processed by the powerfactor correction circuit as shown in FIG. 25. FIG. 28 is a schematicequivalent circuit of the power factor correction circuit as shown inFIG. 1 when the AC input voltage is negative. FIGS. 29A to 29I areschematic circuit diagrams illustrating the operations of the powerfactor correction circuit as shown in FIG. 28 in different timeintervals. FIG. 30 is a schematic timing waveform diagram illustratingassociated voltage signals and current signals processed by the powerfactor correction circuit as shown in FIG. 28.

It is assumed that the AC input voltage and the output voltage Vb arefixed during one switching cycle and the inductance of the firstinductor L1 is infinite When the AC input voltage is positive, the powerfactor correction circuit 1 as shown in FIG. 1 is equivalent to thecircuit as shown in FIG. 25. When the AC input voltage is negative, thepower factor correction circuit 1 as shown in FIG. 1 is equivalent tothe circuit as shown in FIG. 28. When the power factor correctioncircuit 1 as shown in FIG. 25 works continuously, the operations of thepower factor correction circuit 1 are described with reference to FIGS.26A to 26I. In these drawings, Ca is the parasitic capacitor of thefifth switch Sa1, C1H is the parasitic capacitor of the first switchS1H, and C1L is the parasitic capacitor of the second switch S1L.Moreover, it is assumed that the terminal voltage of the first clampcapacitor Cc1 is fixed at Vcc.

When the AC input voltage is positive, the second switch S1L works asthe main switch, and the first switch S1H works as the auxiliary switch.When the AC input voltage is negative, the first switch S1H works as themain switch, and the second switch S1L works as the auxiliary switch.The control unit provides a first driving waveform to control the mainswitch, provides a second driving waveform to control the auxiliaryswitch, and provides a third driving signal to control the fifth switchS1 a of the first active clamp unit 4. That is, when the AC inputvoltage is positive, the first driving waveform is configured to be thedriving signal Vgs_S1L of the second switch S1L, and the second drivingwaveform is configured to be the driving signal Vgs_S1H of the firstswitch S1H. When the AC input voltage is negative, the first drivingwaveform is configured to be the driving signal Vgs_S1H of the firstswitch S1H, and the second driving waveform is configured to be thedriving signal Vgs_S1L of the second switch S1L.

As shown in FIGS. 27 and 30, the first driving waveform, the seconddriving waveform and the third driving signal include a turning-on timepoint and a turning-off time point during one switching cycle,respectively. A first delay time Δt1 is defined by the period betweenthe turning-off time point of the third driving signal Vgs_Sa1 and theturning-on time point of the first driving waveform. A second delay timeΔt2 is defined by the period between the turning-on time point of thefirst driving waveform and the turning-off time point of the seconddriving waveform. And a third delay time Δt3 is defined by the periodbetween the turning-off time point of the second driving waveform andthe turning-on time point of the third driving signal Vgs_Sa1.

When the AC input voltage is positive, the power factor correctioncircuit 1 in one switching cycle is operated in nine stages. Theoperations of the power factor correction circuit 1 corresponding to thenine stages are shown in FIGS. 26A to 26I. The time interval between thetime point t0 and the time point t9 is defined as one switching cycle.Before the time point t0, the second switch S1L is turned off, the firstswitch S1H and the fifth switch Sa1 are turned on, and the secondinductor Lr1 is discharged. The current flowing through the first switchS1H also flows through the first active clamp unit 4.

During t0˜t1, the power factor correction circuit 1 is operated in thefirst stage. The circuitry structure is shown in FIG. 26A. Meanwhile,the driving voltage of the fifth switch Sa1 is decreased. In addition,the second inductor Lr1, the parasitic capacitor Ca of the fifth switchSa1 and the first clamp capacitor Cc1 form a resonant loop to charge theparasitic capacitor Ca. The second inductor Lr1, the output capacitorCb, the parasitic capacitor C1L of the second switch S1L and the firstswitch S1H form another resonant loop. Consequently, the parasiticcapacitor C1L is discharged.

During t1˜t2, the power factor correction circuit 1 is operated in thesecond stage. The circuitry structure is shown in FIG. 26B. At the timepoint t1, the terminal voltage of the parasitic capacitor Ca is equal tothe sum of the terminal voltage Vcc of the first clamp capacitor Cc1 andthe output voltage Vb. Consequently, no current flows through the fifthswitch Sa1. At the same time, the terminal voltage of the second switchS1L is decreased to 0V. The body diode of the second switch S1L startsto be turned on. The terminal voltage Vr of the first bridge arm 2 isdecreased to 0V. The output voltage Vb is added to the second inductorLr1. Moreover, the second inductor Lr1 is demagnetized continuously.

During t2˜t3, the power factor correction circuit 1 is operated in thethird stage. The circuitry structure is shown in FIG. 26C. Meanwhile,the current flowing through the second switch S1L is changed fromnegative to positive, and the driving voltage of the second switch S1Lis increased. Since the driving voltages of the second switch S1L andthe first switch S1H are in the high level state, both of the secondswitch S1L and the first switch S1H are turned on. Meanwhile, theterminal voltage Vr of the first bridge arm 2 is 0V. The output voltageVb is added to the second inductor Lr1. Moreover, the second inductorLr1 is demagnetized continuously.

During t3˜t4, the power factor correction circuit 1 is operated in thefourth stage. The circuitry structure is shown in FIG. 26D. Meanwhile,the driving voltage of the first switch S1H is decreased. In addition,the second inductor Lr1, the output capacitor Cb, the second switch S1Land the parasitic capacitor C1H of the first switch S1H form a resonantloop. Consequently, the second inductor Lr1 starts to charge theparasitic capacitor C1H. In addition, the second inductor Lr1, theparasitic capacitor Ca of the fifth switch Sa1 and the first clampcapacitor Cc1 form another resonant loop. Consequently, the parasiticcapacitor Ca is discharged, and the current flowing through the secondinductor Lr1 is increased along the positive direction. Moreover, thechange rate of the current flowing through the first switch S1H isslowed down by the resonant loop, and reverse recovery loss is reduced.As the terminal voltage of the parasitic capacitor C1H is graduallyincreased, the voltage of the parasitic capacitor Ca is graduallydecreased and the terminal voltage Vr of the first bridge arm 2 isincreased.

During t4˜t5, the power factor correction circuit 1 is operated in thefifth stage. The circuitry structure is shown in FIG. 26E. Under thiscircumstance, the terminal voltage of the parasitic capacitor C1H isequivalent to the terminal voltage Vr of the first bridge arm 2, whichis equal to the sum of the terminal voltage Vcc of the first clampcapacitor Cc1 and the output voltage Vb. Consequently, no current flowsthrough the first switch S1H. At the same time, the terminal voltage ofthe fifth switch Sa1 is decreased to 0V. The body diode of the fifthswitch Sa1 starts to be turned on. In addition, the second inductor Lr1,the first clamp capacitor Cc1 and the fifth switch Sa1 form a resonantloop. Consequently, the voltage of the first clamp capacitor Cc1 isdischarged to the second inductor Lr1, and the current flowing throughthe second inductor Lr1 is continuously increased along the positivedirection.

During t5˜t6, the power factor correction circuit 1 is operated in thesixth stage. The circuitry structure is shown in FIG. 26F. Meanwhile,the driving voltage of the fifth switch Sa1 is increased. Consequently,the zero voltage switching (ZVS) function is achieved. In addition, thesecond inductor Lr1, the first clamp capacitor Cc1 and the fifth switchSa1 form a resonant loop. Consequently, the voltage of the first clampcapacitor Cc1 is discharged to the second inductor Lr1, and the currentflowing through the second inductor Lr1 is continuously increased alongthe positive direction.

During t6˜t7, the power factor correction circuit 1 is operated in theseventh stage. The circuitry structure is shown in FIG. 26G Meanwhile,the driving voltage of the second switch S1L is decreased. The parasiticcapacitor C1L of the second switch S1L is charged. Consequently, theterminal voltage of the parasitic capacitor C1L is gradually increased.The parasitic capacitor C1H of the first switch S1H is discharged.Consequently, the terminal voltage of the parasitic capacitor C1H isgradually decreased. The sum of the terminal voltage of the parasiticcapacitor C1H and the terminal voltage of the parasitic capacitor C1L iscontinuously equal to the sum of the terminal voltage Vcc of the firstclamp capacitor Cc1 and the output voltage Vb. In addition, the secondinductor Lr1, the first clamp capacitor Cc1 and the fifth switch Sa1form a resonant loop. The current flowing through the second inductorLr1 is continuously increased along the positive direction.

During t7˜t8, the power factor correction circuit 1 is operated in theeighth stage. The circuitry structure is shown in FIG. 26H. Meanwhile,the terminal voltage of the parasitic capacitor C1H of the first switchS1H is decreased to 0V. The body diode of the first switch S1H is turnedon. Moreover, the first switch S1H, an input current source Idc, theoutput capacitor Cb and the first active clamp unit 4 form a main powerfreewheeling loop. In addition, the second inductor Lr1, the first clampcapacitor Cc1 and the fifth switch Sa1 form a resonant loop. The currentflowing through the second inductor Lr1 is continuously increased alongthe positive direction.

During t8˜t9, the power factor correction circuit 1 is operated in theninth stage. The circuitry structure is shown in FIG. 26I. Meanwhile,the driving voltage of the first switch S1H is increased. Consequently,the zero voltage switching (ZVS) function is achieved. In addition, thesecond inductor Lr1, the first clamp capacitor Cc1 and the fifth switchSa1 form a resonant loop. The current flowing through the secondinductor Lr1 is continuously increased along the positive direction.Moreover, the first switch S1H, an input current source Idc, the outputcapacitor Cb and the first active clamp unit 4 form a main powerfreewheeling loop. At the time point t9, the fifth switch Sa1 is turnedoff. In the next switching cycle, above procedures are repeatedly done.

As mentioned above, there is the first delay time Δt1 between theturning-off time point of the third driving signal Vgs_Sa1 and theturning-on time point of the first driving waveform (i.e., the drivingsignal Vgs_S1L of the main switch), there is the second delay time Δt2between the turning-on time point of the first driving waveform and theturning-off time point of the second driving waveform (i.e., the drivingsignal Vgs_S1H of the auxiliary switch), and there is the third delaytime Δt3 between the turning-off time point of the second drivingwaveform and the turning-on time point of the third driving signalVgs_Sa1. Consequently, when the AC input voltage is positive, the ZVSfunction of the second switch S1L is achievable.

When the AC input voltage is negative, similar to the positive AC inputvoltage, the power factor correction circuit 1 in one switching cycle isalso operated in nine stages. The operations of the power factorcorrection circuit 1 corresponding to the nine stages are shown in FIGS.29A to 29I. The time interval between the time point t0 and the timepoint t9 is equal to one switching cycle. Before the time point t0, thefirst switch S1H is turned off, the second switch S1L and the fifthswitch Sa1 are turned on, and the second inductor Lr1 is discharged.Moreover, the AC input voltage is in the freewheeling state through thesecond switch S1L and the output capacitor Cb.

During t0˜t1, the power factor correction circuit 1 is operated in thefirst stage. The circuitry structure is shown in FIG. 29A. Meanwhile,the driving voltage of the fifth switch Sa1 is decreased. In addition,the second inductor Lr1, the parasitic capacitor Ca of the fifth switchSa1 and the first clamp capacitor Cc1 form a resonant loop to charge theparasitic capacitor Ca. The second inductor Lr1, the output capacitorCb, the second switch S1L and the parasitic capacitor C1H of the firstswitch S1H form another resonant loop. Consequently, the parasiticcapacitor C1H is discharged. At the time point t1, the terminal voltageof the parasitic capacitor Ca is equal to the sum of the terminalvoltage Vcc of the first clamp capacitor Cc1 and the output voltage Vb.Consequently, no current flows through the fifth switch Sa1. At the sametime, the terminal voltage of the first switch S1H is decreased to 0V.The body diode of the first switch S1H starts to be turned on.

During t1˜t2, the power factor correction circuit 1 is operated in thesecond stage. The circuitry structure is shown in FIG. 29B. The bodydiode of the first switch S1H starts to be turned on. The terminalvoltage Vr of the first bridge arm 2 is decreased to 0V. The outputvoltage Vb is added to the second inductor Lr1. Moreover, the secondinductor Lr1 is demagnetized continuously.

During t2˜t3, the power factor correction circuit 1 is operated in thethird stage. The circuitry structure is shown in FIG. 29C. Meanwhile,the current flowing through the first switch S1H is changed fromnegative to positive, and the driving voltage of the first switch S1H isincreased. Since the driving voltages of the second switch S1L and thefirst switch S1H are in the high level state, both of the second switchS1L and the first switch S1H are turned on. Meanwhile, the terminalvoltage Vr of the first bridge arm 2 is 0V. The output voltage Vb isadded to the second inductor Lr1. Moreover, the second inductor Lr1 isdemagnetized continuously, and the current flowing through the secondinductor Lr1 is decreased along the negative direction.

During t3˜t4, the power factor correction circuit 1 is operated in thefourth stage. The circuitry structure is shown in FIG. 29D. Meanwhile,the driving voltage of the second switch S1L is decreased. In addition,the second inductor Lr1, the first switch S1H, the parasitic capacitorC1L of the second switch S1L and the output capacitor Cb form a resonantloop. Consequently, the second inductor Lr1 starts to charge theparasitic capacitor C1L. In addition, the second inductor Lr1, theparasitic capacitor Ca of the fifth switch Sa1 and the first clampcapacitor Cc1 form another resonant loop. Consequently, the parasiticcapacitor Ca is discharged. Moreover, the change rate of the currentflowing through the second switch S1L is slowed down by the resonantloop, and reverse recovery loss is reduced. As the terminal voltage ofthe parasitic capacitor C1L is gradually increased, the voltage of theparasitic capacitor Ca is gradually decreased and the terminal voltageVr of the first bridge arm 2 is increased.

During t4˜t5, the power factor correction circuit 1 is operated in thefifth stage. The circuitry structure is shown in FIG. 29E. Under thiscircumstance, the terminal voltage of the parasitic capacitor C1L isequivalent to the terminal voltage Vr of the first bridge arm 2, whichis equal to the sum of the terminal voltage Vcc of the first clampcapacitor Cc1 and the output voltage Vb. Consequently, no current flowsthrough the second switch S1L. At the same time, the terminal voltage ofthe fifth switch Sa1 is decreased to 0V. The body diode of the fifthswitch Sa1 starts to be turned on. In addition, the second inductor Lr1,the first clamp capacitor Cc1 and the fifth switch Sa1 form a resonantloop. Consequently, the current flowing through the second inductor Lr1is continuously decreased along the negative direction.

During t5˜t6, the power factor correction circuit 1 is operated in thesixth stage. The circuitry structure is shown in FIG. 29F. Meanwhile,the driving voltage of the fifth switch Sa1 is increased. Consequently,the zero voltage switching function is achieved. In addition, the secondinductor Lr1, the first clamp capacitor Cc1 and the fifth switch Sa1form a resonant loop. Consequently, the voltage of the first clampcapacitor Cc1 is discharged to the second inductor Lr1, and the currentflowing through the second inductor Lr1 is continuously decreased alongthe negative direction.

During t6˜t7, the power factor correction circuit 1 is operated in theseventh stage. The circuitry structure is shown in FIG. 29G Meanwhile,the driving voltage of the first switch S1H is decreased. The parasiticcapacitor C1H of the first switch S1H is charged. Consequently, theterminal voltage of the parasitic capacitor C1H is gradually increased.The parasitic capacitor C1L of the second switch S1L is discharged.Consequently, the terminal voltage of the parasitic capacitor C1L isgradually decreased. The sum of the terminal voltage of the parasiticcapacitor C1H and the terminal voltage of the parasitic capacitor C1L iscontinuously equal to the sum of the terminal voltage Vcc of the firstclamp capacitor Cc1 and the output voltage Vb. In addition, the secondinductor Lr1, the first clamp capacitor Cc1 and the fifth switch Sa1form a resonant loop. The current flowing through the second inductorLr1 is continuously increased along the negative direction.

During t7˜t8, the power factor correction circuit 1 is operated in theeighth stage. The circuitry structure is shown in FIG. 29H. Meanwhile,the terminal voltage of the parasitic capacitor C1L of the second switchS1L is decreased to 0V. The body diode of the second switch S1L isturned on. Moreover, the second switch S1L, the input current source Idcand the output capacitor Cb form a main power freewheeling loop. Inaddition, the second inductor Lr1, the first clamp capacitor Cc1 and thefifth switch Sa1 form a resonant loop. The current flowing through thesecond inductor Lr1 is continuously decreased along the negativedirection.

During t8˜t9, the power factor correction circuit 1 is operated in theninth stage. The circuitry structure is shown in FIG. 29I. Meanwhile,the driving voltage of the second switch S1L is increased. Consequently,the zero voltage switching function is achieved. In addition, the secondinductor Lr1, the first clamp capacitor Cc1 and the fifth switch Sa1form a resonant loop. The current flowing through the second inductorLr1 is continuously decreased along the negative direction. At the timepoint t9, the fifth switch Sa1 is turned off. In the next switchingcycle, above procedures are repeatedly done.

As mentioned above, there is the first delay time Δt1 between theturning-off time point of the third driving signal Vgs_Sa1 and theturning-on time point of the first driving waveform (i.e., the drivingsignal Vgs_S1H of the main switch), there is the second delay time Δt2between the turning-on time point of the first driving waveform and theturning-off time point of the second driving waveform (i.e., the drivingsignal Vgs_S1L of the auxiliary switch), and there is the third delaytime Δt3 between the turning-off time point of the second drivingwaveform and the turning-on time point of the third driving signalVgs_Sa1. Consequently, when the AC input voltage is negative, the ZVSfunction of the first switch S1H is achievable.

By using the control method of the present disclosure, the zero voltageswitching (ZVS) function of at least one of the first switch S1H, thesecond switch S1L and the fifth switch Sa can be achieved. According tothe difference between the situation of the positive AC input voltageand the situation of the negative AC input voltage, the active clampunit withstands the input current in the on state of the main switch orin the freewheeling state of the main switch. Moreover, the aboveoperations of the power factor correction circuit 1 are in a continuousconduction mode (CCM).

FIG. 31 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a twenty-first embodiment of the presentinvention. The power factor correction circuit 1 t includes an inputpower source AC, a first bridge arm 2, a first inductor L1, a secondbridge arm 3, a third bridge arm 6, a third inductor L2, an outputcapacitor Cb and an active clamp unit 4. The circuitry structure of thisembodiment is similar to that of FIG. 20. The first bridge arm 2includes a first switch S1H and a second switch S1L, which are connectedwith each other in series. The common node between the first switch S1Hand the second switch S1L is electrically connected with the firstterminal M1 of the input power source AC through the first inductor L1.The second bridge arm 3 includes a third switch S2H and a fourth switchS2L, which are connected with each other in series. The common nodebetween the third switch S2H and the fourth switch S2L is electricallyconnected with the second terminal M2 of the input power source AC. Thethird bridge arm 6 is connected with the first bridge arm 2 in parallel.The third bridge arm 6 includes a sixth switch S3H and a seventh switchS3L, which are connected with each other in series. The common nodebetween the sixth switch S3H and the seventh switch S3L is electricallyconnected with the first terminal M1 of the input power source ACthrough the third inductor L2.

Similarly, the active clamp unit 4 includes a second inductor, a firstclamp capacitor and a fifth switch. The second inductor and theserially-connected structure of the first clamp capacitor and the fifthswitch are connected with each other in parallel. The third bridge arm 6and the first bridge arm 2 are operated in an interleaving manner. Theactive clamp unit 4 is connected between the second bridge arm 3 and thethird bridge arm 6. Since the active clamp unit 4 is shared by the firstbridge arm 2 and the third bridge arm 6, the ZVS functions of theswitches of the corresponding bridge arms can be achieved. Please referto FIG. 31 again. The first terminal A of the active clamp unit 4 iselectrically connected with a first switch S1H of the first bridge arm 2and a sixth switch S3H of the third bridge arm 6. The second terminal Bof the active clamp unit 4 is electrically connected with a third switchS2H of the second bridge arm 3. When the first bridge arm 2 is enabledbut the third bridge arm 6 is disabled, the active clamp unit 4 and thefirst bridge arm 2 cooperate with each other. Consequently, the ZVSfunctions of the first switch S1H and the second switch S1L of the firstbridge arm 2 can be achieved. When the third bridge arm 6 is enabled butthe first bridge arm 2 is disabled, the active clamp unit 4 and thethird bridge arm 6 cooperate with each other. Consequently, the ZVSfunctions of the sixth switch S3H and the seventh switch S3L of thethird bridge arm 6 can be achieved.

FIG. 32 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a twenty-second embodiment of thepresent invention. In comparison with the embodiment of FIG. 31, theactive clamp unit 4 in the power factor correction circuit 1 u of thisembodiment is arranged to a different position. The first terminal A ofthe active clamp unit 4 is electrically connected with the fourth switchS2L of the second bridge arm 3. The second terminal B of the activeclamp unit 4 is electrically connected with the second switch S1L of thefirst bridge arm 2 and the seventh switch S3L of the third bridge arm 6.The third bridge arm 6 and the first bridge arm 2 are operated in aninterleaving manner. When the first bridge arm 2 is enabled but thethird bridge arm 6 is disabled, the active clamp unit 4 and the firstbridge arm 2 cooperate with each other. Consequently, the ZVS functionsof the first switch S1H and the second switch S1L of the first bridgearm 2 can be achieved. When the third bridge arm 6 is enabled but thefirst bridge arm 2 is disabled, the active clamp unit 4 and the thirdbridge arm 6 cooperate with each other. Consequently, the ZVS functionsof the sixth switch S3H and the seventh switch S3L of the third bridgearm 6 can be achieved. Therefore, the active clamp unit 4 is shared bythe first bridge arm 2 and the third bridge arm 6.

FIG. 33 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a twenty-third embodiment of the presentinvention. In comparison with the embodiment of FIG. 31, the powerfactor correction circuit 1 v of this embodiment further includes afirst diode D1H and a second diode D1L, which are connected with eachother in series. The cathode of the first diode D1H is electricallyconnected with the first terminal M7 of the output capacitor Cb, thefirst terminal M5 of the second bride arm 3 and the second terminal B ofthe active clamp unit 4. The anode of the first diode D1H iselectrically connected to the node between the first terminal M1 of theinput power source AC, the first inductor L1 and the third inductor L2.The cathode of the second diode D1L is electrically connected with theanode of the first diode D1H. The anode of the second diode D1L iselectrically connected with the second terminal M8 of the outputcapacitor Cb, the second switch S1L of the first bridge arm 2, theseventh switch S3L of the third bridge arm 6 and the fourth switch S2Lof the second bridge arm 3. In case that the AC input voltage of thepower factor correction circuit 1 v is abruptly increased to be higherthan the output voltage Vb, the arrangement of the first diode D1H andthe second diode D1L can limit the magnitude of the AC input voltage tobe lower than a predetermined voltage value. Consequently, theelectronic components of the power factor correction circuit 1 v can beeffectively protected.

FIG. 34 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a power factorcorrection circuit according to a twenty-fourth embodiment of thepresent invention. In comparison with the embodiment of FIG. 32, thepower factor correction circuit 1w of this embodiment further includes afirst diode D1H and a second diode D1L, which are connected with eachother in series. The cathode of the first diode D1H is electricallyconnected with the first terminal M7 of the output capacitor Cb, thethird switch S2H of the second bridge arm 3, the first switch S1H of thefirst bridge arm 2 and the sixth switch S3H of the third bridge arm 6.The anode of the first diode D1H is electrically connected to the nodebetween the first terminal M1 of the input power source AC, the firstinductor L1 and the third inductor L2. The cathode of the second diodeD1L is electrically connected with the anode of the first diode D1H. Theanode of the second diode D1L is electrically connected with the secondterminal M8 of the output capacitor Cb, the fourth switch S2L of thesecond bridge arm 3 and the first terminal A of the active clamp unit 4.

FIG. 35 is schematic timing waveform diagram illustrating the change ofthe AC input voltage for the power factor correction circuit of thepresent invention. If the input current received by the power factorcorrection circuit is small or the input current phase of the powerfactor correction circuit is approximately close to 0° or 180°, thepower factor correction circuit can be operated in a discontinuousconduction mode (DCM) or a continuous conduction mode (CCM). Foracquiring the optimal efficiency, the active clamp unit in the powerfactor correction circuit may be disabled by keeping the fifth switch ofthe active clamp unit being conduction state in the discontinuousconduction mode (DCM) or the partial time period of continuousconduction mode (CCM).

As described in FIG. 27, the second switch S1L (i.e., the main switch)and the first switch S1H (i.e., the auxiliary switch) have the sameswitching cycle. As described in FIG. 30, the first switch S1H (i.e.,the main switch) and the second switch S1L (i.e., the auxiliary switch)have the same switching cycle. Moreover, during the switching cycle ofthe main switch, the control unit provides the third driving signalVgs_Sa1 to the fifth switch Sa1.

Optionally, the first delay time Δt1 is a constant value, the seconddelay time Δt2 is a constant value, and the third delay time Δt3 is aconstant value. Moreover, the first delay time Δt1, the second delaytime Δt2 and the third delay time Δt3 may vary with at least one of theAC input voltage, the current from the output terminal of the powerfactor correction circuit and the power from the power factor correctioncircuit.

From the above descriptions, the present disclosure provides a controlmethod for the power factor correction circuit. By use of the firstdelay time Δt1, the second delay time Δt2, and the third delay time Δt3,the ZVS function of at least one of the main switch, the auxiliaryswitch and the fifth switch is achievable, and the switching loss ofeach switch is reduced. Since the working frequency of the power factorcorrection circuit is increased, the power supply apparatus with thepower factor correction circuit can be operated at higher power densityand higher efficiency.

What is claimed is:
 1. A power factor correction circuit, comprising: aninput power source; a first bridge arm comprising a first switch and asecond switch connected in series, wherein a common node of the firstswitch and the second switch is electrically connected with a firstterminal of the input power source through a first inductor; a secondbridge arm, connected with the first bridge arm in parallel, comprisinga third switch and a fourth switch connected in series, wherein a commonnode of the third switch and the fourth switch is electrically connectedwith a second terminal of the input power source; an output capacitor;and an active clamp unit comprising a second inductor, a clamp capacitorand a fifth switch, wherein a first terminal of the clamp capacitor iselectrically connected with a first terminal of the second inductor, asecond terminal of the clamp capacitor is electrically connected with afirst terminal of the fifth switch, and a second terminal of the fifthswitch is electrically connected with a second terminal of the secondinductor, wherein the active clamp unit is disposed according to theselection from one of the three circuit arrangements below: positionedbetween a first terminal of the first bridge arm and a first terminal ofthe output capacitor; positioned between a second terminal of the firstbridge arm and a second terminal of the output capacitor; positionedbetween the first switch and the second switch.
 2. The power factorcorrection circuit according to claim 1, wherein the second inductor ofthe active clamp unit is electrically parallel to a serially-connectedstructure having the clamp capacitor and the fifth switch in series. 3.The power factor correction circuit according to claim 2, wherein thesecond inductor of the active clamp unit is connected between the firstterminal of the first bridge arm and the first terminal of the outputcapacitor, or the second inductor of the active clamp unit is connectedbetween the second terminal of the first bridge arm and the secondterminal of the output capacitor, or the second inductor of the activeclamp unit is connected between the first switch and the second switch.4. The power factor correction circuit according to claim 1, wherein thesecond inductor is a planar magnetic element.
 5. The power factorcorrection circuit according to claim 1, wherein at least one of thefirst switch, the second switch and the fifth switch is a wide bandgapsemiconductor device.
 6. The power factor correction circuit accordingto claim 1, wherein at least one of the third switch and the fourthswitch is a wide bandgap semiconductor device or a silicon semiconductordevice.
 7. The power factor correction circuit according to claim 1,further comprising a first diode and a second diode connected in series,wherein the first diode is connected between the first terminal of theoutput capacitor and the first terminal of the input power source, andthe second diode is connected between the second terminal of the outputcapacitor and the first terminal of the input power source.
 8. The powerfactor correction circuit according to claim 1, wherein when the inputpower source works at a first polarity voltage, the second switch of thefirst bridge arm is a zero voltage switching switch, wherein when theinput power source works at a second polarity voltage rather than thefirst polarity voltage, the first switch of the first bridge arm is thezero voltage switching switch.
 9. The power factor correction circuitaccording to claim 1, wherein the active clamp unit is disabled in thediscontinuous conduction mode or in the partial time period of thecontinuous conduction mode, when the input current phase of the powerfactor correction circuit is approximately close to 0° or 180°.
 10. Thepower factor correction circuit according to claim 9, wherein the fifthswitch always keeps in turning-on state when the active clamp unit isdisabled.
 11. A power factor correction circuit, comprising: an inputpower source; a first bridge arm comprising a first switch and a secondswitch connected in series, wherein a common node of the first switchand the second switch is electrically connected with a first terminal ofthe input power source through a first inductor; a second bridge armcomprising a third switch and a fourth switch connected in series,wherein a common node of the third switch and the fourth switch iselectrically connected with a second terminal of the input power source;a third bridge arm connected with the first bridge arm and the secondbridge arm in parallel, wherein the third bridge arm comprises a sixthswitch and a seventh switch connected in series, wherein a common nodeof the sixth switch and the seventh switch is electrically connectedwith the first terminal of the input power source through a thirdinductor; an output capacitor; a first active clamp unit comprising asecond inductor, a first clamp capacitor and a fifth switch, wherein afirst terminal of the first clamp capacitor is electrically connectedwith a first terminal of the second inductor, a second terminal of thefirst clamp capacitor is electrically connected with a first terminal ofthe fifth switch, and a second terminal of the fifth switch iselectrically connected with a second terminal of the second inductor;and a second active clamp unit comprising a fourth inductor, a secondclamp capacitor and an eighth switch, wherein a first terminal of thesecond clamp capacitor is electrically connected with a first terminalof the fourth inductor, a second terminal of the second clamp capacitoris electrically connected with a first terminal of the eighth switch,and a second terminal of the eighth switch is electrically connectedwith a second terminal of the fourth inductor, wherein the first activeclamp unit is arranged in the first bridge arm, the second active clampunit is arranged in the third bridge arm, and a position of the firstactive clamp unit in the first bridge arm and a position of the secondactive clamp unit in the third bridge arm are identical.
 12. The powerfactor correction circuit according to claim 11, wherein the secondinductor of the first active clamp unit is electrically parallel to aserially-connected structure having the first clamp capacitor and thefifth switch in series.
 13. The power factor correction circuitaccording to claim 11, wherein the fourth inductor of the second activeclamp unit is electrically parallel to a serially-connected structurehaving the second clamp capacitor and the eighth switch in series. 14.The power factor correction circuit according to claim 11, wherein atleast one of the first switch, the second switch, the fifth switch, thesixth switch, the seventh switch and the eighth switch is a wide bandgapsemiconductor device.
 15. The power factor correction circuit accordingto claim 11, wherein a second terminal of the first active clamp unitand a second terminal of the second active clamp unit are electricallyconnected with a first terminal of the output capacitor, a firstterminal of the first active clamp unit is electrically connected withthe first switch, and a first terminal of the second active clamp unitis electrically connected with the sixth switch.
 16. The power factorcorrection circuit according to claim 11, wherein a first terminal ofthe first active clamp unit and a first terminal of the second activeclamp unit are electrically connected with a second terminal of theoutput capacitor, a second terminal of the first active clamp unit iselectrically connected with the second switch, and a second terminal ofthe second active clamp unit is electrically connected with the seventhswitch.
 17. The power factor correction circuit according to claim 11,wherein a first terminal of the first active clamp unit is electricallyconnected with the first inductor and the second switch, a secondterminal of the first active clamp unit is electrically connected withthe first switch, a first terminal of the second active clamp unit iselectrically connected with the third inductor and the seventh switch,and a second terminal of the second active clamp unit is electricallyconnected with the sixth switch.
 18. The power factor correction circuitaccording to claim 11, wherein a first terminal of the first activeclamp unit is electrically connected with the second switch, a secondterminal of the first active clamp unit is electrically connected withthe first inductor and the first switch, a first terminal of the secondactive clamp unit is electrically connected with the seventh switch, anda second terminal of the second active clamp unit is electricallyconnected with the third inductor and the sixth switch.
 19. The powerfactor correction circuit according to claim 11, further comprising afirst diode and a second diode connected in series, wherein the firstdiode is connected between the first terminal of the output capacitorand the first terminal of the input power source, and the second diodeis connected between the second terminal of the output capacitor and thefirst terminal of the input power source.
 20. The power factorcorrection circuit according to claim 11, wherein the first bridge armand the third bridge arm are operated in an interleaving manner.
 21. Apower factor correction circuit, comprising: an AC power source; a firstbridge arm comprising a first switch and a second switch connected inseries, wherein a common node of the first switch and the second switchis electrically connected with a first terminal of the AC power sourcethrough a first inductor; a second bridge arm comprising a third switchand a fourth switch connected in series, wherein a common node of thethird switch and the fourth switch is electrically connected with asecond terminal of the AC power source; a third bridge arm connectedwith the first bridge arm in parallel, wherein the third bridge armcomprises a sixth switch and a seventh switch connected in series,wherein a common node of the sixth switch and the seventh switch iselectrically connected with the first terminal of the AC power sourcethrough a third inductor; an output capacitor; and an active clamp unitcomprising a second inductor, a first clamp capacitor and a fifthswitch, wherein the second inductor is electrically parallel to aserially-connected structure having the first clamp capacitor and thefifth switch in series; wherein the first bridge arm and the thirdbridge arm are operated in an interleaving manner, the active clamp unitis connected between the second bridge arm and the third bridge arm, andthe active clamp unit is shared by the first bridge arm and the thirdbridge arm.
 22. The power factor correction circuit according to claim21, wherein a first terminal of the active clamp unit is connected withthe first switch and the sixth switch, and a second terminal of theactive clamp unit is connected with the third switch.
 23. The powerfactor correction circuit according to claim 21, wherein a firstterminal of the active clamp unit is connected with the fourth switch,and a second terminal of the active clamp unit is connected with thesecond switch and the seventh switch.
 24. The power factor correctioncircuit according to claim 21, further comprising a first diode and asecond diode connected in series, wherein the first diode is connectedbetween a first terminal of the output capacitor and the first terminalof the AC power source, the second diode is connected between a secondterminal of the output capacitor and the first terminal of the AC powersource, and an anode of the first diode and a cathode of the seconddiode are connected with the AC power source.